Ceramic Sculpture: the First Triennale

There are exhibitions that draw the crowds — like the Poster Biennale. And then there are those you stumble upon almost by chance, quieter, unexpected. The First International Ceramic Sculpture Triennale belongs to the latter. On Warsaw’s riverside, inside the Academy of Fine Arts (ASP) campus at Powiśle, the sculptures stand in bright daylight, framed by glass walls with the Vistula as their backdrop — accessible to anyone who stops in. Shapes twist, surfaces crackle, glazes shine or fade matte — each piece bearing the imprint of the artist’s hand and imagination.

This initiative is the only and the very first event of its kind in Poland. The Triennale is also a signal that Warsaw is joining the map of cities opening space for international dialogue in sculpture.

What makes the exhibition special is its global scope. Out of a total of 678 applications, 52 artists were selected, their sculptures arriving in Warsaw from around the world. Tradition of ceramics meets voices from Asia, Europe (including Poland), and the Americas. This diversity is visible in scale and technique: minimal forms and expressive gestures, ancient echoes and contemporary experiments. Each work carries a story, sometimes cultural, sometimes deeply personal. And it is a truly engaging experience to explore them up close — and to look wider.

This initiative is the only and the very first event of its kind in Poland. The Triennale is also a signal that Warsaw is joining the map of cities opening space for international dialogue in sculpture. Just as the Poster Biennale once opened doors for graphic art, this event highlights ceramics as a serious artistic medium, far beyond craft or decoration.

For visitors, it’s not only about viewing. Walking between the pieces, with the river flowing nearby and the city humming in the background, you realise how clay can be both fragile and enduring. These works remind us of that.

Dates and details

• When: 26 June — 26 October 2025
• Where: Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, 37/39 Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie Street (3rd floor)
• Hours: Tuesday — Sunday, 11:00 - 19:00
• Free entry